Garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a garment, in particular an undergarment, comprising a brassiere means, wherein the garment at least partly consists of latent heat storage material for temperature regulation and/or includes at least one latent heat accumulator for temperature regulation.

The present invention relates to a garment. In particular an undergarment, with a brassiere means.

Garments with a brassiere means such as a brassiere, also only referred to as bra, are generally known. These garments or lingerie items substantially have the function of protecting and shaping the female breast.

Known garments with a brassiere means have the disadvantage that the wear comfort can be impaired in that the materials used encapsulate the heat radiated by the body, so that overheating can occur. This can furthermore lead to the fact that sweat production is stimulated, which beside the overheating likewise generally is considered unpleasant.

The aforementioned situation can be particularly disadvantageous when the bra used is a medical bra for surgery aftercare, for example for the time after a breast surgery. Such breast surgeries can include for instance breast augmentations or reductions, breast amputations or other surgical procedures. All such procedures have in common that surgical wounds are present in the region of the breast. For the healing process, it would be desirable to be able to use e.g. a bra which on the one hand supports and shapes the breast and on the other hand helps to avoid overheating and excessive sweat formation in the region of the surgical wounds.

By avoiding overheating and by limiting sweat formation, pain and the occurrence of itching could be reduced.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to develop a garment as mentioned above in an advantageous way, in particular to the effect that the wear comfort of the garment is increased and that for example in the case of garments for medical purposes these purposes are positively supported.

In accordance with the invention, this object is solved by a garment with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that a garment, in particular an undergarment, includes a brassiere means, wherein the garment at least partly consists of a latent heat storage material for temperature regulation and/or includes at least one latent heat accumulator for temperature regulation.

This involves the advantage that the wear comfort of the garment can distinctly be increased. Due to the latent heat accumulator it becomes possible to avoid or delay overheating, but also cooling down. The latent heat accumulator preferably can be a PCM material (phase-change material), i.e. a material in which a phase change occurs in the desired temperature range. Such phase change, for example from solid to liquid or vice versa, has the advantage that the material can absorb or release thermal energy in the temperature range of the phase change, with the material temperature remaining constant.

The heat radiated by the body can be stored, without the temperature of the garment being increased or heat being encapsulated so that overheating can occur. The heat from the surroundings also can first be stored temporarily by the latent heat accumulator(s). Cooling down for example is delayed or prevented in that in this case the temporarily stored heat is returned to the body.

Due to the latent heat accumulator(s), the garment can thus advantageously adopt the function of a heat buffer. This results in a reduced formation of sweat, since the temperature can substantially be kept constant, so that the body's own temperature regulating mechanisms comprising the formation of sweat need not intervene. Furthermore, this involves the advantage that a uniform distribution of heat and an active temperature exchange are possible. Furthermore, it is advantageous that in the case of a medical use of the garment, such as surgery aftercare, the healing process can be supported and accelerated, since by providing for a constant temperature the occurrence of itching or a possible inflammation can be prevented due to the reduced stimulation of sweat formation.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material at least partly comprises paraffin. Paraffin involves the advantage that it has very good latent heat storage properties at body temperature, i.e. in the range between 33° C. and 37° C. Moreover, this substance is safe in handling and, when packaged correspondingly, can easily be used for medical applications and is in particular sterilizable or disinfectable. The term paraffin also includes paraffin-like substances such as waxes or wax-containing substances, which substantially have latent heat storage properties comparable to paraffin.

Moreover, it is possible that the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material at least partly includes a salt solution. This substance, too, is safe in handling and, when packaged correspondingly, can easily be used for medical applications and is in particular sterilizable or disinfectable. The salt solution can for example be a sodium chloride solution.

It is furthermore conceivable that the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in one or more capsules, in particular in microcapsules. The microcapsules preferably can be microscopically small, so that a high packing density can be obtained.

It is possible that the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is incorporated in a yarn and/or a non-woven layer or fleece. It is particularly advantageous when the microcapsules in which the latent heat storage material such as paraffin is encapsulated are incorporated in the yarn or the non-woven layer, so that the yarn or non-woven layer can be processed as usual. The yarn can be used for manufacturing a fabric from which parts of the garment are made. For example, it is possible to weave such fabric exclusively by means of the yarn or to manufacture such fabric by means of the yarn and by additionally using further materials.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is present as a coating and/or layer of the garment and/or is applied onto the garment. This coating or layer advantageously can be formed by a multitude of microcapsules in which the latent heat storage material such as paraffin is encapsulated.

Moreover, it is conceivable that the inner and/or outer surfaces of the garment, in particular the inner and/or outer surfaces of the brassiere means, at least partly include latent heat storage material and/or a latent heat accumulator for temperature regulation. The inner surfaces for example are the surfaces lying directly on the body. Preferably, the surfaces can be formed by fabrics made of yarn in which microcapsules are incorporated, in which the latent heat storage material such as paraffin is encapsulated. The surface just as well can be formed by fabrics which consist of nonwoven layers in which corresponding microcapsules are incorporated. In this connection it furthermore is advantageously conceivable that the surfaces lying on the outside in the wearing state, i.e. the outer surfaces of the garment, are at least partly coated with microencapsulated latent heat storage material.

It can also be provided that the entire inner surfaces of the garment consist of a fabric with yarn with latent heat storage material and/or of a non-woven layer with latent heat storage material.

It is also conceivable that the entire inner surfaces of the garment have a coating with latent heat storage material.

It is possible that the brassiere means includes two cups at least partly supporting the female breast with at least one cup lining each, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the cup lining or the cup lining consists of latent heat storage material. A cup lining can be provided for the direct body contact. Just as well, it is also conceivable that a cup lining can be inserted in an insertion pocket in the brassiere means and in the wearing state is arranged close to the body, i.e. is separated from the body for example only by a fabric layer of the insertion pocket.

It is particularly advantageous when in the wearing state the cup lining with the latent heat storage properties is located in the lower region of the breast, as in this region surgical wounds may be present. At the same time, a body fold particularly is formed on standing in the lower region of the breast, in which the sweat forming tendency is increased. Due to the latent heat storage properties of the cup lining in this region, this effect and also an overheating of this point which is very sensitive e.g. after surgery can advantageously be counteracted.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the brassiere means includes at least one web connecting the cups with at least one web lining, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the web lining or the web lining consists of latent heat storage material. The web is that part of the brassiere means which rests on the sternum between the cups. Preferably, the web lining can be provided for the direct, but also the indirect body contact. In conventional bras, for example, divided rear panels are provided, which can be closed by means of a closure comprising hooks and eyelets. An undivided rear panel is provided for example in garments which are not closed separately, as can be the case for example in shirts with incorporated brassiere or sports bras.

Furthermore, it is possible that below the cup an extension region with at least one extension region lining is provided, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the extension region lining or the extension region lining consists of latent heat storage material. This involves the advantage that the sweat forming tendency and an overheating of this point which is very sensitive e.g. after surgery can advantageously be counteracted and the corresponding advantages of the cup lining with latent heat storage properties can be enhanced. Preferably, the extension region lining can be provided for the direct, but also indirect body contact.

It can be provided that the brassiere means includes a divided or undivided rear panel with a rear panel lining which each adjoins a cup, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the rear panel lining or the rear panel lining consists of latent heat storage material. The rear panel lining also can be provided for the direct, but also indirect body contact.

It is conceivable that the garment is a brassiere or bra, in particular a medical bra for surgery aftercare, a corsage, a buster, a push-up bra, a corset, a torselette, a corselette, a bra top, a dress or night gown with incorporated bra, a shirt or night shirt with incorporated bra, a ladies' swimsuit with bra portion or a bikini top.

In addition, it can be provided that the garment is a medical bra for surgery aftercare, wherein at least one cup inlay is provided, which imitates the shape of a female breast and can be inserted in a cup or is inserted in a cup, and wherein the cup inlay wholly or partly consists of latent heat storage material or includes at least one latent heat accumulator. The cup inlay can for example imitate the female silhouette at this point in the case of a breast amputation and at the same time provide for a good wear comfort due to the latent heat storage properties. Particularly advantageously, the cup inlay can be inserted in a pocket of the garment. Just as well, it can also be provided that the cup inlay can be placed on the body surface and be attached thereto. The cup inlay then can additionally be supported by the brassiere means, in particular by the cup comprising the cup inlay.

When wearing the garment, a three-dimensional spacer material particularly advantageously is arranged between the latent heat storage material and the skin. This three-dimensional spacer material (3D spacer film) or the like provides for a good circulation of air due to its enclosed air cells. Nevertheless, the cooling effect of the latent heat storage material is not impaired substantially.

Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in detail with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1: shows a first embodiment of a garment of the invention in a front view;

FIG. 2: shows a rear view of the garment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: shows a second embodiment of a garment of the invention in a front view; and

FIG. 4: shows a rear view of the garment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a garment 10 of the invention in a front view, wherein the garment 10 is configured as a brassiere 10. The brassiere 10 includes a brassiere means 20, which consists of the components cups 21, web 25, extension regions 26, closure 27, rear panels 24, a front strap 22 and a rear strap 23.

The two cups 21 are designed symmetrically and on the outside are formed by four fabric components 21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d. The two lower fabric components 21 a and 21 b support the breast from below. The fabric component 21 a adjoins the extension region 26 and the fabric component 21 b adjoins the web 25. The fabric component 21 d supports or guides the breast on the outside of the body, wherein the strap 22 and the rear panel 24 are attached to the fabric component 21 d. The fabric component 21 c shapes the breast from above.

By means of the closure 27, which includes a plurality of eyelet rows 27 a and one multiple hook 27 b, the two rear panels 24 can be connected with each other. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multiple hook 27 b is arranged at the right-hand rear panel 24 and the eyelet rows 27 a are arranged at the left-hand rear panel 24.

In this embodiment, the cup lining 21′, the web lining 25′ and the extension region lining 26′ are provided with latent heat storage material. The fabric of the respective lining 21′, 25′, 26′ preferably is woven of a PCM yarn, in which a multitude of microcapsules is incorporated. In these microcapsules paraffin is contained as a latent heat storage material.

The lower cup lining part 21 b′ rests on the lower region of the breast and as rear side of the lower fabric components 21 a and 21 b supports the breast from below. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower cup lining part 21 b′ and the extension region lining 26′ are made in one piece. This involves the advantage that a continuous lining surface can rest against the lower region of the breast and the lower base of the breast. Bruises or possible scratching by a seam can thus be avoided.

To ensure the dimensional stability of the cup 21, a soft molding 21 c is inserted at the end of the connecting seam 30 between the upper cup lining part 21 a′ and the lower cup lining part 21 b′, which maintains the bulge of the cup 21 at this point and prevents creasing.

Instead of the connecting seam 30 an insertion pocket can also be provided in both cups 21, which is not shown in detail. In this insertion pocket, a push-up pad can for example be inserted. These pads preferably also include a latent heat accumulator or are made of a fabric in which e.g. microcapsules with latent heat storage material are incorporated.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a brassiere 10 of the invention in a second embodiment, which substantially is identical to the brassiere 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 additionally includes a rear panel lining 24′, which is provided with latent heat storage material. The fabric of the linings 24′ is woven of a PCM yarn like the linings 21′, 25′, 26′. Thus, substantially all inner surfaces of the brassiere 10 are made of PCM-containing fabrics.

In principle, it is also conceivable that in the region of the linings 21′, 24′, 25′, 26′ the surfaces with body contact consist of a PCM non-woven layer in which latent heat storage material is incorporated. It is also conceivable that under a covering breathable fabric layer a latent heat storage coating is incorporated. Furthermore, it is advantageously conceivable that all surfaces of the brassiere 10 are provided with a latent heat storage coating. 

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A garment (10), in particular an undergarment, comprising brassiere means (20), wherein the garment (10) is at least partially composed of latent heat storage material for temperature regulation and/or includes at least one latent heat accumulator for temperature regulation.
 18. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material at least partially comprises paraffin.
 19. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material at least partially includes a salt solution.
 20. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in one or more capsules, in particular in microcapsules.
 21. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is incorporated in a yarn and/or a non-woven layer or a fleece.
 22. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is present as a coating and/or layer of the garment (10) and/or is applied onto the garment (10).
 23. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the inner and/or outer surfaces of the garment (10), in particular the inner and/or outer surfaces of the brassiere means (20), at least partially include latent heat storage material and/or a latent heat accumulator for temperature regulation.
 24. The garment (10) according to claim 23, wherein the entire inner surfaces of the garment (10) are composed of a fabric with yarn with latent heat storage material and/or a non-woven layer with latent heat storage material.
 25. The garment (10) according to claim 23, wherein the entire inner surfaces of the garment (10) have a coating with latent heat storage material.
 26. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the brassiere means (20) include two cups (21) at least partially supporting the female breast with at least one cup lining (21′) each, and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the cup lining (21′) or the cup lining (21′) is composed of latent heat storage material.
 27. The garment (10) according to claim 26, wherein the brassiere means (20) includes at least one web (25) connecting the cups (21) with at least one web lining (25′), and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the web lining (25′) or the web lining (25′) is composed of latent heat storage material.
 28. The garment (10) according to claim 26, wherein below the cup (21), an extension region (26) with at least one extension region lining (26′) is provided, and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the extension region lining (26′) or the extension region lining (26′) is composed of latent heat storage material.
 29. The garment (10) according to claim 26, wherein the brassiere means (20) include a divided or undivided rear panel (24) with a rear panel lining (24′), which each adjoins a cup (21), and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the rear panel lining (24′) or the rear panel lining (24′) is composed of latent heat storage material.
 30. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the garment (10) is a brassiere or bra, in particular a medical bra for surgery aftercare, a corsage, a bustier, a push-up bra, a corset, a torselette, a corselette, a bra top, a dress or night gown with incorporated bra, a shirt or night shirt with incorporated bra, a ladies' swimsuit with bra portion or a bikini top.
 31. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein the garment (10) is a medical bra for surgery aftercare, at least one cup inlay is provided, which imitates the shape of a female breast and can be inserted in a cup or is inserted in a cup, and the cup inlay is wholly or partially composed of latent heat storage material or includes at least one latent heat accumulator.
 32. The garment (10) according to claim 17, wherein on the side facing the body, a flat three-dimensional spacer material is arranged on the latent heat storage material.
 33. The garment (10) according to claim 24, wherein the entire inner surfaces of the garment (10) have a coating with latent heat storage material.
 34. The garment (10) according to claim 27, wherein below the cup (21), an extension region (26) with at least one extension region lining (26′) is provided, and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the extension region lining (26′) or the extension region lining (26′) is composed of latent heat storage material.
 35. The garment (10) according to claim 27, wherein the brassiere means (20) include a divided or undivided rear panel (24) with a rear panel lining (24′), which each adjoins a cup (21), and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the rear panel lining (24′) or the rear panel lining (24′) is composed of latent heat storage material.
 36. The garment (10) according to claim 28, wherein the brassiere means (20) include a divided or undivided rear panel (24) with a rear panel lining (24′), which each adjoins a cup (21), and the latent heat accumulator and/or the latent heat storage material is arranged in the rear panel lining (24′) or the rear panel lining (24′) is composed of latent heat storage material. 